Shire Velocipede, 1879
Shire Velocipede, 1879
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- Description
- The stiff wood and metal frame of velocipedes resulted in a rough ride, garnering them the “boneshaker” moniker. Propelled by pedals attached to the front axle, velocipedes were the historical antecedent to the high-wheeler and safety bicycle later in 19th century. This velocipede bears a brass plate that reads "J. Shire, Patent Reallowed May 10, 1879, Detroit, Mich." The plate is somewhat curious as the only patent granted to John Shire was patent number 216,231 which he applied for on May 6, 1879 and was granted June 3, 1879. Shire’s patent was an “improvement in velocipedes” that mainly related to an adjustable hammock-seat on the cycle.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- velocipede
- velocipede, wooden
- date made
- 1879
- Associated Place
- United States: Michigan
- ID Number
- 1907.47898.01
- catalog number
- 248087
- accession number
- 47898
- Credit Line
- Gift of C. Howard Buckler
- See more items in
- Work and Industry: Transportation, Road
- Bicycling
- America on the Move
- Transportation
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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